Summary

Based on my understanding, the topic of man and nature has been discussed more

than centuries. In Islam, it is human responsibility to take care of nature. The Almighty

appointed mankind to be the leader in this earth rather than other creatures such sea, hill or

many more. Furthermore, for the status of man in Islam, based on my reading, man is the

noblest creature among the others and at the highest hierarchy of creations. This is based on

one verse in al-Quran in surah At-Tin verse 4, Allah said " Indeed, we created humans in the

best form. This is the reason why man deserved and selected to the Khalifah in this world.

Though, Allah the only know why He picked the man to fill the position for Khalifah to

accomplish the Amanah or the Trust that were given from Allah.

Moreover, in my reading, I would say that the concept of man in Islam is all about

the best creatures among all creation in the heaven and earth, the only one stands on the

highest pinnacle to be called as the best creation of Allah the Almighty. We know that it has

been mentioned in the holy al-Quran that man was created in the most beautiful and excellent

manner. Nonetheless, even though man owned the title as the noblest position among all

creation, it is not a guarantee that they would stay in that position. This is based on the al-

Quran verse number 5, in Surah At-Tin, Allah said "But We will reduce them to the lowest of

the low in Hell". From this verse, we would notice that man would not stay forever in that

position when he breaks the law that were sets by Allah the Almighty an disobey him.

Next, in my view, man was born with the fitrah. In simple meaning, fitrah is

primordial nature. It is come from Arabic word which is Al-Fitrah. The fitrah was explained

that man comes to this world without any stain of sin. They were born pure and holy. The

most important in this part is this concept rejects the doctrine that exist among our
community which is "Original Sin". Moreover, another meaning of al-fitrah as mentioned in

Holy Quran that man was born at start as the believer in Allah the Almighty.

In the Holy Quran, chapter (1) verse (31), He taught Adam the names of all things,

then He presented them to the angels and said, “Tell Me the names of these, if what you say

is true?”. Allah teaches us the asma al husna which is the 99 Beautiful Names of Allah.

According to Langgulung explanation of this ayat is these beautiful names represent the

attributes of Allah given to man as potentials that need to be developed and actualized in the

life of an individual Muslim. In my opinion, as a Muslim, we have to know and believe all of

the 99 names of Allah the Almighthy because he is our creator. This is some of the way know

better of our creator and as a sign of gratitude to him.

For the part forbidden approach toward nature, I realize that some of mankind used

to worship other than Allah. They worship the nature and objects that they found in nature

such as sun, mountain, moon and so on. The revelation of al-Quran has brought the guidance

to all mankind about the One and Only creator Allah the Almighty. One of the religions that

worship the nature is Pagan.

Some damage and destruction done to nature by mankind which is the main

damage is the pollution because they managed to make the world become modern from time

to time. The important part in this area is the Quran has highlighted the reason this thing

occurred because the evil and selfish desires of man that has caused pollution and

environment degradation. “Mischief has appeared on land and sea because of [the meed] that

the hands of men have earned, that [Allah] may give them a taste of some of their deeds: in

order that they may turn back [from Evil]”. This is the prove that Allah has mentioned in al-

Quran regarding greediness and cruelty of irresponsible mankind. Here is some list of well-
known pollutions cause by man that I read from the article, air and water pollution, ' Slash

and Burn', deforestation, global warming, acid rain and so on.

By that, I start to realized that man has to start to conserve and preserve the nature

at all coast. It is great that the Western countries started to demonstrate a greater level of

consciousness towards taking care of nature, environment, human and animal lives. This is

the great action after the have faced two times of the world war that caused the millions toll

of death and exactly destroying the nature. Meanwhile, the scenario in the eastern countries,

particularly Muslim countries, the have failed to demonstrate a passionate attitude towards

preservation and conservation of nature. This is a disappointment because as Muslim we have

to apply the Quranic teaching at all perspective, either it is about ibadah or surrounding and

especially the nature that we live in it. The main reason this thing happening is because of the

ignorance or we could call negligence.

The writer is very concerned and take a good care of the nature. He suggested that

oil rich Muslim countries in the Middle East should set up funds for nature and

environmental studies. It is because to give a great help to Muslim scientists and researchers

to explore, investigate and document the mysteries found in nature. I believed it is a great

suggestion to preserve and conserve the nature and our earth.

In conclusion, I want to emphasize and shout out to the writer suggestion to all

mankind. These are some of the suggestion that hit me really hard which are all of us should

pay attention to the issues related to preservation and conservation of nature either we live in

east or west because many of the tragedies that happen to humanity that relate to the natural

world are mainly triggered by human beings themselves.